Friday, March 25, 2011

Life Promises for Success by Jim Tressel

How would you define success? Some think it is having money or ascending the corporate ladder. Tressel says success is not about what we have or what we've done. It's about who we are.
Tressel understands it is hard in our society to keep success in proper perspective and not base our sense of self-worth on what we do. He should know. As head coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes since 2001, he led the team to bowl games, Big Ten titles, and a national championship. It's not achieving your goal, he says. “The thing we should most enjoy about any endeavor is the road we travel together to get there.” (9)
Through quoted sayings, Scriptures, poems, stories of successful people, and his personal thoughts, Tressel encourages readers to be the best they can be. It is a life long adventure.
There is a peace of mind from knowing that you have done your best. You have to have faith , placing your trust in something bigger than yourself. You have to have belief, the outward expression of that faith.
For those who want to reach their full potential, Tressel says, “you first need to keep in mind that achieving excellence means becoming the best person you can possibly be...” (61) You could be a stellar performer, but if you are not living an upright life, you won't achieve your full potential. He inspires his readers to have hope. He calls for humility and love. He gives encouragement in overcoming adversity, being persistent, being selfless, overcoming setbacks, teamwork, etc.
My favorite of Tressel's quotes: “Hold yourself to a higher standard than anyone expects of you.” Henry Ward Beecher (37) My favorite of his own writing: “Promise yourself...to give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others...” (187)
This book would make a great gift for a graduate or anyone else needing inspiration.

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of this review.

See: http://www.coachtressel.com/ and http://www.thewinnersmanual.com/

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